apple butter BBQ chicken

Not ready to let go of summer but ready for fall flavor? This apple butter BBQ chicken marinates in apple butter, spices, and buttermilk, so it grills up tender and juicy. It’s the perfect bridge between summer grilling and fall cooking.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 4 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds)

For the basting sauce:

• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup prepared BBQ sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the apple butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and buttermilk. Add the chicken and stir to ensure it is submerged in the buttermilk. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours.

2. When ready to cook, preheat the grill on high for 15 minutes. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. There is no need to wipe it clean.
3. Mix the basting glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the apple butter, Dijon mustard, and prepared BBQ sauce. Set aside.

4. Grill: Brush the grill grates with oil. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook, covered, until well browned on the first side, 3-5 minutes. Flip over and baste the browned side with the basting glaze. Continue grilling until the chicken breasts register 155-160°F in the thickest part, 3-5 minutes.

Remove from the grill and allow the chicken to rest, where the carryover heat will bring them to a finished internal temperature of 165°F. Slice, brush with any remaining basting glaze as desired, and serve.